Terror in Vancouver: Vehicle Attack at Lapu Lapu Festival Kills Nine, Injures Dozens

By Noma Grant

What was meant to be a joyous celebration of Filipino culture turned into a nightmare Saturday evening as a vehicle barrelled through a crowded street festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, killing nine people—including a child—and injuring dozens more. The tragedy unfolded during the closing moments of the annual Lapu Lapu Day Festival, a beloved event honouring the Filipino hero Datu Lapu-Lapu and celebrating Filipino-Canadian heritage.

The Attack

At approximately 8:14 p.m. local time, as families gathered near the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, a black Audi Q7 SUV accelerated toward the festival's main thoroughfare. Witnesses describe a horrifying scene: food stalls upended, music abruptly cut off, and screams piercing the night air. Some festival-goers initially mistook the sound of the accelerating engine for part of the event, but panic erupted as the vehicle tore through the crowd without warning.

Security footage shows the SUV weaving erratically through the street before mounting the curb and striking several pedestrians. According to eyewitness accounts, the driver appeared “emotionless” and made no attempt to brake or avoid people in his path.

First responders arrived within minutes. Paramedics and firefighters tended to victims in a chaotic, makeshift triage area while police cordoned off the scene. Several victims were pronounced dead on site; others succumbed to their injuries en- route to Vancouver General Hospital.

Victims

Of the nine confirmed fatalities, five were adults, three were elderly attendees, and one was a 10-year-old boy attending the event with his family. Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased pending notification of next of kin. At least 34 others were injured, some critically, with injuries ranging from fractures and internal bleeding to traumatic brain injuries.

Vancouver General Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital, and several local clinics activated mass casualty protocols as waves of ambulances arrived. Hospital spokespeople said trauma units operated through the night to treat the influx of patients.

Grief counsellors and social workers have been dispatched to assist grieving families and traumatized witnesses, many of whom were young children.

The Suspect

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Benjamin Reyes, a Canadian citizen with a known history of mental health challenges, was arrested after he attempted to flee the scene on foot. Eyewitnesses say several brave bystanders tackled him and restrained him until police arrived.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that Reyes had previous interactions with authorities, including prior mental health evaluations, but no history of terrorism or extremist affiliations. Investigators are currently working to determine if the attack was premeditated or the result of an acute mental health crisis.

Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer emphasized that the incident, while devastating, does not appear to have ties to organized terror groups:  “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest this was a terrorist act. However, the investigation is ongoing, and we are leaving no stone unturned.”

Security and Investigation

The Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation, supported by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT). Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage from surrounding businesses, interviewing witnesses, and conducting forensic examinations of the vehicle.

Police have appealed to the public to submit any mobile phone footage they may have captured. "Even the smallest detail could help us piece together exactly what happened," said Palmer. Investigators are also looking into how Reyes gained access to the vehicle, which was registered to a rental car company. Questions remain about whether he lawfully rented the car or stole it.

Community and National Reaction

The Lapu Lapu Day Festival, organized by the Vancouver Filipino-Canadian Association (VFCA), draws thousands every year to celebrate cultural pride through dance, food, and music. Saturday's festivities included traditional folk dances, a Filipino street food competition, and a live performance from a popular Manila-based band.

VFCA President Marissa Gutierrez issued a tearful statement Sunday morning:  “This event was meant to bring joy, connection, and remembrance. That such horror could occur here breaks our hearts beyond words.” 

Prime Minister Mark Carney extended condolences via a public statement and pledged federal support to the investigation and the victims’ families:  “Canada grieves alongside Vancouver today. We offer all available resources to assist the city in its time of mourning and healing.”

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim declared Sunday a day of mourning and announced plans for a memorial service in the coming days.  "The city of Vancouver stands united with our Filipino-Canadian brothers and sisters. We are with you in sorrow and in strength." Vigils are being organized across Metro Vancouver, with hundreds expected to gather to honour the victims.

Calls for Action

Saturday's attack has reignited debates about event security and mental health services in Canada. Experts point out that while security measures were in place, open-access street festivals inherently pose challenges for vehicle-related attacks.

Municipal leaders are calling for a review of safety protocols, including the potential for increased use of barricades and surveillance at large public gatherings.

Advocacy groups are also pressing for stronger mental health intervention systems, noting that signs of instability often go unnoticed or untreated until tragedy strikes.

Meanwhile, Filipino-Canadian leaders emphasized that the festival will endure despite the heartbreak: "We will honour those we lost by continuing to celebrate our heritage," said Gutierrez. "Hate or despair will not define us."

Noma Grant is a freelance journalist and writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach her at noma.grant@veritasexpositae.com